Walking through the halls the word “freshy” may be used to condescend the younger classmates. Freshmen, despite experiencing new heights, are overshadowed and generalized to this term. These are the students who aren’t just brand new, but ultimately are the future of PLHS. Specifically two students have exhibited their importance and their accomplishments as freshmen.
Showing both growth and resilience, Freshmen Twilla Douglas and Marius Manning bond with either their fellow cheer mates and show choir partners even without extreme experience.
“I am a base and I do stunts in my group and at cheer camp I was also a captain,” Douglas said. “In cheer, I look up to the upperclassmen girls so much because they always help me when I need clarification on something but they also make sure my simple needs are met.”
Having a good role model in any activity is key, however when someone is unaware if they are struggling, a freshman could also be the role model that an upperclassmen may look up to.
“I feel like being a freshman is kind of an eye opener because we are known as the small little ones who come from middle school,” Manning said. “Being in Free Spirit as a freshman I feel like I have to put in more work and I’m at a higher standard.”
Free Spirit is the Monarch varsity show choir ensemble. The group consists of 48 sophomores through seniors. While Manning is performing on stage as a freshman, Douglas is also fighting for her spot as a freshman on the JV Cheerleading team.
“I feel like the name calling doesn’t get to me because I find it funny that upperclassmen used to only make fun of us at the beginning of the year,” Douglas said. “One thing I do think is hard is that as a freshman you may feel very looked down on in groups like in show choir and cheer, but deep down nobody is different.”
Acceptance of underclassmen is crucial, whether it’s being looked down upon because of their grade or ability. Deep down, freshmen have many years to grow and adapt.
“In Free Spirit it’s a bit different because since it is a varsity group that is made for sophomores and upperclassmen, being a freshman is a lot more intense,” Manning said. “I’m also involved in Monarchy and I get to perform in front of amazing audiences and with a bunch of other guys instead of with a mix of girls, but it deep down adds more that I have to tackle.”
Making a big difference is important to a student’s hobby. Through these activities though, these freshmen also tackle their classes even with the stress of finals coming up.
“Throughout the week I tend to go to bed really late because I’m up late with heart and soul practice as well as getting my homework done,” Douglas said. “Tackling honors biology homework and assignments are pretty difficult with my schedule because we learn a new unit almost every week.”
Freshmen won’t always have to tackle the issue of being an underclassmen or fighting for acceptance. These students will be the future here at monarchs and may be the known names on varsity teams and trophies.
